Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith was encouraged by his side’s performance in their 3-2 defeat against Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League South Central Division on Saturday.

First-half goals from Keegan Bloom (2) and Stephan Langley gave the visitors the three points at Westfield Lane.

Finlay Evans pulled a goal back after the break before Bailey Lamb’s own goal set up a grandstand finale.

The Baggies created plenty of chances, and Smith was able to see the positives.

“For the first 20 minutes we were camped in their half and had so many good opportunities to score,” said Smith.

“We didn't take the good chances that we had and then we were punished by them (Harrow).

“We didn't defend well – in the first half the defending was poor.

“The three goals they scored were cheap.

“We haven't been alert and we need to stop conceding goals because we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

“I thought we were the better team but it's about three points.

“They've been on a bad run and it was a great opportunity for us to get three points.

“We didn’t do it because we didn't take chances and then we gifted goals.

“The lads gave us everything in the second half and we knocked on the door.

“We hit the bar and got back in it with a penalty, but it was all too little too late.

“It's the start of the game that matters and when you don't put the ball in the net and don't keep it out at the other end it’s tough.”

Despite being 3-0 down at half-time Smith believed his side were still in the game.

“I did feel we were in the game,” said Smith.

“We were 3-0 down because we couldn't defend set pieces.

“One fell to them in the box and plenty didn't fall to us in their box – but it is about people being alert if they're defending or attacking.

“Being alert and knowing where the ball is going to go is something you need to have.

“I always felt if we got a goal they (Harrow) might panic a little bit.

“I thought they defended well. They defended set pieces well – they've got a bit more height than us.

“There were some good performances, it's just unfortunate we didn't defend as well as we have done in the past couple of games.

“We've had a good win and a good draw recently and I thought this was a winnable game at home.

“We're competing well at the minute and looking like we should be winning games – or at least getting something out of them.”